Howa M1500 Carbon Stalker Rifle .308 Win 4rd Capacity 22″ Barrel Blued Stock

The Howa M1500 Carbon Stalker is a lightweight, bolt-action rifle designed for hunters and shooters seeking a balance between portability and performance. Chambered in .308 Winchester, it features a 22-inch blued barrel and a carbon-fiber stock, resulting in a durable yet easy-to-handle firearm. This review delves into the rifle’s key aspects, including its features, ergonomics, and shooting performance.

Features

The Carbon Stalker is built on the Howa 1500 action, renowned for its reliability and smooth operation. The 22-inch barrel is cold hammer-forged, ensuring longevity and consistent accuracy. The carbon-fiber stock, crafted by Stocky’s Stocks, significantly reduces weight without compromising strength, making the rifle ideal for extended field use. Additionally, the rifle includes a three-position safety, a two-stage HACT (Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger) system, and a Sub-MOA guarantee, promising 1-inch or less groups at 100 yards with premium ammunition.

Grip and Ergonomics

The carbon-fiber stock features a classic design with a slightly enlarged palm swell, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The rifle’s lightweight nature, approximately 6.2 pounds, combined with its well-balanced construction, ensures ease of handling during prolonged hunting trips. The Limbsaver recoil pad further enhances shooting comfort by mitigating felt recoil.

Sights

The Howa M1500 Carbon Stalker does not come with factory-installed sights but is drilled and tapped to accommodate a variety of optics. This design allows shooters to customize their sighting system according to personal preferences and specific shooting applications.

Controls

The rifle is equipped with a three-position safety located conveniently for thumb operation, allowing the shooter to cycle the bolt with the safety engaged in the middle position. The bolt handle features a 90-degree lift, providing ample clearance and smooth cycling of rounds.

Safety

The three-position safety offers enhanced security during handling. In the rearward position, the safety locks both the bolt and the trigger. The middle position allows the bolt to be operated while keeping the trigger locked, facilitating safe unloading. Pushing the safety fully forward readies the rifle for firing.

Magazine Release

The Carbon Stalker utilizes an internal magazine with a hinged floorplate, providing a 4-round capacity. The floorplate release is situated within the trigger guard, enabling quick and safe unloading of the magazine.

Slide Stop

As a bolt-action rifle, the Howa M1500 does not feature a slide stop. The bolt can be manually cycled to chamber rounds or clear the action as needed.

Trigger

The rifle incorporates Howa’s HACT two-stage trigger, factory-set at approximately 3 pounds. This trigger system is acclaimed for its crisp break and minimal creep, contributing to enhanced shooting accuracy and control.

Single-Action and Double-Action

The Howa M1500 operates as a single-action bolt rifle. Each shot requires manual cycling of the bolt to chamber a new round, ensuring deliberate and controlled firing sequences.

Range Bag

Weighing around 6.2 pounds and measuring approximately 42 inches in overall length, the Carbon Stalker is compact and lightweight, fitting comfortably into standard rifle cases or range bags. Its portability makes it a convenient choice for hunters and shooters on the move.

Aesthetics

The combination of a blued barrel and a carbon-fiber stock with a distinctive weave pattern gives the rifle a modern yet classic appearance. The Kryptek Altitude camo finish on the stock adds a touch of rugged elegance, appealing to both traditionalists and contemporary shooters.

Shooting Performance

The Howa M1500 Carbon Stalker lives up to its Sub-MOA guarantee, delivering impressive accuracy with premium factory ammunition. The lightweight design does not compromise stability, and the effective recoil pad ensures manageable recoil, allowing for precise follow-up shots. Its performance makes it suitable for various applications, from hunting to target shooting.